Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 1,430 as Rescue Teams Continue Search for Survivors

Venezuela: Rescue teams continued searching for survivors across Venezuela on Saturday after two powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country, with the official death toll rising to 1,430 and more than 3,200 people reported injured. Tens of thousands of people remain missing, while hopes of finding more survivors are fading as more than 72 hours have passed since the disaster.

An 11-year-old boy was rescued alive from the rubble in Caraballeda on Saturday, days after the earthquakes struck, providing a rare moment of hope. Earlier, rescuers also pulled a newborn baby from the debris in the hard-hit coastal region of La Guaira. Search teams from more than 20 countries, including the United States, have joined local rescue efforts, with specialised personnel, search dogs and emergency supplies arriving to support operations.

The United Nations estimates that up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the disaster and require urgent humanitarian assistance, including emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation, healthcare and essential relief supplies. The organisation also estimates physical damage at around US$6.7 billion.

The earthquakes have further strained Venezuela, which is already facing economic hardship and political instability. Residents have criticised the pace of the emergency response, while authorities continue to coordinate rescue operations and the delivery of international aid as the search for survivors continues. 

By RSS/AFP